What MOT class is my car?
On GOV.UK’s MOT fee table, cars with up to 8 passenger seats, motor caravans and goods vehicles up to 3,000kg design gross weight are Class 4. Motorcycles are Class 1 (up to 200cc) or 2 (over 200cc).
Last reviewed . The official sources it draws on, and the date each was read, are listed at the foot of the page.
The classes
| Vehicle | MOT class | First MOT needed at (years old) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle with an engine up to 200cc, with or without a sidecar | 1 | 3 |
| Motorcycle with an engine over 200cc, with or without a sidecar | 2 | 3 |
| Three-wheeled vehicle up to 450kg unladen weight | 3 | 3 |
| Three-wheeled vehicle over 450kg unladen weight | 4 | 3 |
| Car (up to 8 passenger seats) | 4 | 3 |
| Motor caravan | 4 | 3 |
| Dual purpose vehicle | 4 | 3 |
| Goods vehicle up to 3,000kg design gross weight | 4 | 3 |
| Taxi or ambulance | 4 | 1 |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance with 9 to 12 passenger seats | 4 | 1 |
| Passenger vehicle or ambulance with 13 to 16 passenger seats | 5 | 1 |
| Petrol, diesel or hybrid goods vehicle over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg | 7 | 3 |
What the class decides
GOV.UK says there is a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge and that it depends on the type of vehicle. The maximum and the age of the first test both follow the vehicle type in the table, so two vehicles in the same class can have different maximum fees. Our answer on what an MOT costs gives the fees. Class 4A is for Class 4 passenger vehicles with 9 to 12 seats that also have a seat belt installation check, and Class 5A is the equivalent for Class 5 vehicles; each has its own maximum fee.
Northern Ireland
GOV.UK’s table is for tests in Great Britain. In Northern Ireland the Driver and Vehicle Agency runs the test, and nidirect’s fee table uses its own classes in Roman numerals: a car is in Class IV (Motor Car and Heavy Motor Car) and a light goods vehicle of 3500kg or less has its own line.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Getting an MOTRead on 6 October 2026. The MOT test fees table: vehicle type, vehicle class, age at which the first MOT is needed and the maximum fee; the maximum depends on the type of vehicle.
- nidirect: Vehicle test feesRead on 6 October 2026. The Northern Ireland fee table, which uses its own classes in Roman numerals, with cars in Class IV.
Related
More answers
- How do I find out when my MOT is due?
- What does an MOT test check?
- Can I drive a car with no MOT?
- Can I drive my car after it fails its MOT?
- Do I have to pay again if my car fails its MOT?
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